If you are living in India and planning to buy a car, you might wonder whether or not buying standalone own-damage car insurance is the right choice. If so, here are some things to consider. It is a given that owning a car can be very expensive and costs a lot of money to buy and run one. Insurance, in particular, can add up quickly due to the high risk and frequent accidents associated with driving on busy roads. But it is also one of the most crucial additions to protect your vehicle in case of any mishap.
Car insurance protects your vehicle against loss or damage from outside sources, like accidents and natural disasters. However, not all car insurance policies cover your vehicle's damages. To prevent losses in an accident or natural disaster, standalone own-damage car insurance can help you.
What is Standalone Own-damage Car Insurance?
A standalone own-damage car insurance policy is a type of insurance that covers only the damages caused to your car in an accident and not the third-party liabilities. This makes it different from a comprehensive car insurance policy, which offers both own damage and third-party liability cover.
What is Covered in a Standalone Own-damage Car Insurance Policy?
Before purchasing standalone own-damage car insurance, it is important to understand its inclusions to avoid misunderstanding or confusion while settling the car insurance claim. While it may vary from insurer to insurer, some general inclusions are common in all policies. Here are some general inclusions of standalone own-damage car insurance:
Accidental Damages
The plan is designed to cover the costs associated with damage caused by accidents. These damages include car repair, tow truck service, and a rental car when your vehicle is in the shop.
Natural Calamity
A standalone own-damage policy will also cover natural calamities such as hail, earthquakes, or flooding.
Damage Caused by Fires
Fires can destroy everything they touch - especially cars. A standalone own damage policy covers any damage done to your vehicle by accidents. Your car insurance company will ensure that your car is returned to its original condition quickly so you can return to the road again.
Man-made Disasters
Sometimes, man-made disasters occur that cause damage to vehicles. One example is a riot, which may result in people destroying public and private property. A standalone own-damage policy can help you if you live in an area with frequent vandalism or rioting.
Car Theft
In addition to the above, a standalone own damage policy includes coverage for car-theft losses. Should your vehicle be stolen and never recovered, your insurer will pay you what it's worth at the time of theft.
Benefits of Standalone Own-damage Car Insurance
Before making any financial decision about your car insurance policies, it is important to consider all the pros and cons. Here we have listed all the advantages you get with purchasing a standalone own-damage car insurance policy that will help you understand its importance:
More Choice of Insurers
You can conveniently buy your car insurance policy from one insurer and your standalone own-damage coverage from another if you wish to. When you buy a standalone policy, you are not tied to any one insurer. This means you can shop around and compare policies from different insurers to find the one that best suits your needs. This way, you can access better plans and rates as each company will try to sell its products. With more choice, you get more bargaining power with these companies.
Choice of Add-ons
Like a comprehensive car insurance policy, a standalone own damage policy also allows you to add car insurance add-ons to expand your coverage against uncertain events. These add-ons include zero depreciation cover, NCB protection cover, engine protection cover, key protection cover, etc. These add-ons cost you an extra premium but can help you immensely.
Economical and Affordable
A standalone own-damage policy is an economical and affordable way to insure your car. It gives you the coverage you need without breaking the bank. It covers you if your vehicle is damaged in an accident, by vandalism, or by natural disasters.
Zero Obligation for Long-term Plans
You are not required to commit to a long-term plan when you purchase standalone own-damage car insurance in India. This means that you can cancel your policy at any time without penalty. It is beneficial if you only need short-term coverage or if your circumstances change and you no longer need insurance.
Conclusion
In India, it is mandatory by law to have third-party car insurance. However, a standalone own-damage car insurance policy offers several benefits that a third-party liability cover does not. It covers damages caused to your car due to natural calamities, man-made disasters, and theft. It also offers personal accident cover and financial assistance in case of road accidents. But it is advisable to buy standalone own-damage car insurance only if you only have a policy that only covers third-party claims. If you have not bought any, we advise you to buy the best comprehensive car insurance policy.
Read more -
What are the Inclusions & Exclusions of Standalone Own Damage Car Insurance?
Is it Worth to Cover Your Car With Own Damage Car Insurance?
